‘Not a single day passes off without media houses getting abusive or threatening
calls’

Taba Ajum

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: ‘Pen is mightier than sword’ is perhaps one of the most famous
quotes that every one of us learns during our school days. During early part of my
journalism career at Delhi, I truly believed in the famous saying that pen is really
mightier than sword. However, in the context of Arunachal, the popular proverb does
not hold any ground as pen is always caught between ‘dao and gun.’

In the land of engineers and doctors, very few youngsters take up the challenge of
joining the profession of journalism. I say, it is a challenge to join media industry
in Arunachal because journalists are paid meager salary and are forced to work under
duress. Not a single day passes off without media houses getting abusive or threatening
calls. If they don’t get satisfied with abusing calls, group of persons comprising
15 or 20 members lands up in office and threatens the journalists at dao point to
carry their news. The presidents and secretaries of various unions, associations,
organizations, etc treat journalists as their personal assistants and try to dictate
terms. Their most common dialogue is, “Ladka log bohut gussa mein hain, main control
kar raha hun. News ko chap do, nahi to ladka log kuch bhi kar sakta hain.” The funny
part is that these same unions, associations, organizations, who keep on threatening
media houses, emerge out first to condemn, if any attack takes place. No doubt, journalists
need their support in the hours of crisis, but it would be great on their part if
they take a pledge that they will let media work freely.

The July 15 shooting incident has shaken the basic foundation of Arunachal journalism.
Tongam Rina is one of the few journalists who withstood all problems and upholds
the spirit of journalism in the state. 12 days has passed off and still Press fraternity
of state is wondering why was Tongam attacked? Journalists of Arunachal maintain
very low profile and are one of the less paid professionals. What will people gain
by attacking the hapless group of professionals like journalist? Citizen always expect
Press fraternity to present truth but if journalists are greeted with bullets and
dao’s, then how can truth be exposed?

Very few people take up journalism as a career in Arunachal, however, if present
trend of intimidation and bullying continues media will have premature death in the
state. The overwhelming support to Press fraternity of state in the wake of attack
on Tongam has, somewhat, healed the wound and has encouraged media persons to continue
serving the people of state. But, this should not end here. For now the pen is caught
between ‘dao and gun’, it is up to the people of Arunachal whether they want pen
to ‘pen down’ the voice of poor Arunachalee in true sense.

3 Maoists arrested in Lohit

Itanagar, Jul 26: Security forces have arrested three Maoists, all hailing from Tinsukia
district of neighbouring Assam, from Lohit district, the sources said today. In a
joint operation, personnel of the Assam Rifles and Special Investigation Team (SIT)
arrested the three from Kaupatani village under Mahadevpur police station yesterday
evening.

Extortion notes, three mobile phone sets and seven sim cards were seized from their
possession. The arrested Maoists have been identified as Nipenjyoti Chetia, Totong
Neog, and Jintu Chetai, the sources said.

This is the second arrest of Maoists cadres from Mahadevpur after that of four others
on August 17 last year. An insurgent of United Democratic Front of Bodoland (UDFB),
Bitu Chakma, was also arrested from Namsai area of the district yesterday and operation
against the underground elements were on, the sources said.

Four Maoists were killed in an encounter with a joint team of security personnel
in Borgoria area of Assam’s Tinsukia district on May 9 last and a huge cache of arms
and ammunition were recovered. PTI

‘Let law take its own course’

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 26: “Let the law take its own course to expose lawbreakers, so that
the civil society may be assured that no one is above the law,” said Itanagar MLA
Techi Kaso today. He said ‘our cooperation alone would facilitate early nailing down
of the gunman who attacked The Arunachal Times associate editor Tongam Rina.’

The MLA said that the investigations into the cases of attacks on media persons and
media houses of the state should be taken to their logical conclusions to bring the
handful of lawbreakers to book. He further said “We should all stand united and work
together to not allow a few disgruntled elements to hold the society to ransom by
their divisive acts.” In his fervent appeal to one and all, particularly the media
fraternity, the lawmaker urged them to not serve ultimatums to the police or act
in any manner that may divert their energy from investigation to maintain law and
order.

The MLA also lauded the police department, particularly Capital police led by SP
Hibu Tamang for nabbing 10 persons in Arunachal Times vandalism case.

“It is highly appreciable that all sections of the society extended their cooperation
in making the breakthrough in the April 15 Arunachal Times vandalism case,” the MLA
added.

Communication has no boundary: Kapoor

NAHARLAGUN, Jul 26: Rajiv Gandhi University acting Vice Chancellor Prof K C Kapoor
today said the study of Mass Communication is not confined within the classroom rather
the student have to go beyond their imagination to know and gain the knowledge of
communication. While drawing a distinction between the words ‘mass’ and ‘communication’,
he emphasized that each word has to be seen in their distinct context.

Speaking at the orientation programme organized by the Department of Mass Communication
at RGU Extension Centre Naharlagun, Prof Kapoor said that the students of mass communication
should learn different principles of communication to achieve knowledge beyond boundaries.
Equating education and teaching with the discipline of mass communication, he said
that in today’s society information is knowledge and one has to strengthen the information
resources to communicate with the masses.

Appreciating the untiring efforts of the department, he acknowledged that with bare
minimum faculty strength, the department is leaving no stone unturned to produce
trained media persons for the state each year. Prof. Kapoor also appreciated the
efforts of the Centre for Cultural Research & Documentation (CCRD) for collaborating
with the University since the department’s inception in 2004.

CCRD chairperson M Riba while congratulating all the students and faculties said
that she hoped for a time when communication students will be provided opportunity
to do research in various communications related topics within the state with the
help of the two institutions.

Editor, Arunachal Front Pradeep Kumar while delivering the “Orientation Day Lecture”,
explained about the role and responsibility of media for the society and said Press
being the fourth pillar of democracy has to be transparent and clear while disseminating
information to the masses. Any information should be accurate and true. He charted
the history of the media in the State and highlighted the challenges that it faces
even today.

HOD (i/c) Sunil Koijam earlier spoke on the significance of the programme and shared
the department’s commitment of creating a body of responsible media persons who can
serve the state.

As part of the Orientation programme, the department also welcomed its two new faculty
members Teli Yami and Nawaz Khan. Films made by current students were screened during
the Orientation programme, which is the 9th edition of event.

A new feature of the event this year is the start of the department’s Dikrong Student
Film Awards that will recognize talent in Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay,
Best Actor and Actor in Best Supporting Role. While this award will initially be
limited to the Department, as more colleges create departments of Communication,
it will become a University level competition.

(Contributed by the students of Mass Communication deptt, RGU)

‘Asmi’ opens exclusive showroom in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Prominent jewellery brand ‘Asmi’ has opened its 1st exclusive Showroom
in Arunachal Pradesh on 15th of this month. Situated at Tem Taying Building near
Youth Hostel Naharlagun, the showroom store spreads across 700 sqft.

The store offers entire range of jewellery sub-collections from Asmi under one roof,
making it simpler for jewellery lovers in the city to choose ornaments suitable for
any occasions that call for a celebration at various stages of their lives. Asmi
Exclusive will showcase all its sub-collections which include Graduation, Corporate,
Wedding and Pinnacle.

The idea of bringing Asmi showroom to Arunachal was conceptualize by two young women
entrepreneur, namely, Tadar Jimpy and Tam Rija, the proud owner of the showroom.
Expressing satisfaction over launch of showroom, the two ladies stated, “We are
very happy that our customers in Arunachal Pradesh will have an access to our exclusive
store in their city and can have a unique place to experience wide range of diamond
jewellery collection which is contemporary, distinctive, affordable at multiple price
points.”

Noted Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is the brand ambassador of the Asmi jewellery.
Some of the prominent collections available at the store include Sagaee - A collection
of diamond engagement bands to celebrate the first step towards marital commitment.
It successfully blends tradition with a modern feel even on for an event as small
yet important as the engagement. Menz- A collection of 18k gold jewellery studded
with diamonds, is the perfect embellishment to complement the modern man’s style
and personality and helps distinguish him greatly from the crowd. Maya Gold – The
brand specifically aims at the Indian wedding market and similar festivities and
traditional occasions for gift-giving, Maya accordingly presents an array of jewellery
created out of pure 22 K gold: bangles, necklaces, earrings, rings etc in styles
that are mainly classic traditional, but keeping up with the times though subtle
variations and fusions of modernity. Nizam jewellery, known to make the wearer feel
like a Royal Princess, seduces a modern-day girl to bring out the lady in her. "Every
woman aspires to look and feel like a Royal Princess, the brand makes this deep cherished
dream comes true for the connoisseurs of superior quality jewellery and distinctive
tastes.

Union conducts social service, renovates road

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: All Pakke-Kessang Pijering Dissiing-Passo Seijosa Students Union
(APPDSSU) conducted two days social service on July 21 and 22 for repairing the NEC
road between Seijosa Police Check Gate to Balijuri (Assam). They were ably added
by senior citizens, business communities and local public.

Citizens of area like Tadap Nabam, Kameng Dolo Ex-MLA and private company Bhramaputra
Infra Power Hydro Project (Assam) contributed from their side for the social service.
The road has remained neglected for the last many years and the public from both
Seijosa and Assam are facing lots of difficulties due to dilapidated condition of
the road.

The social service was conducted under the guidance of Dony Taching, General Secretary
(APPDSU) cum-Chairman Organizing Committee. The union has appealed the both Arunachal
and Assam Govts to co-operate and repair the road immediately.

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The cash reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by the Arunachal Pradesh
Police for giving information or clue leading to arrest of the assailant/s of Tongam
Rina, Associate Editor of The Arunachal Times still stands. The identity of the informer/s
will be kept secret. The informer/s may contact Capital SP Hibu Tamang at tele.
numbers : 09436040006/9856060490.

Orgs condemn attack on journalist

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: Condemnations on attempt on the life of the Associate Editor of
this daily are still pouring in from nook and corner of the state.

Describing the gun attack on Associate Editor Tongam Rina as a rarest of rare case
in Arunachal Pradesh, the Ramle Bango Gaon Burah Association in a release said that
the incident has sent a shock-wave across Ramle Bango (Nari-Koyu) area from where
she hails.

“The brutal attack on the journalist in broad day light in the heart of the capital
city is an insult to the Home Department, the GB Association said and demanded the
State Government to refer the case to CBI in case the state police fails to make
any breakthrough into the case. The Kameng Lawyers Association (KLA) has vehemently
condemned the attacked on Tongam Rina, a senior journalist and termed the incident
as a cowardice act.

The Association has called on state Govt to transfer the case to CBI so that culprit/s
can be arrested at the earliest and awarded exemplary punishment. The Association
also appealed the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh not to encourage such anti-Social
activities.

In a memorandum to BRTF officials, the AAPPTF unit demanded systematic road cutting
from Jung, Rama camp to Tawang in 20 days time and early completion of the said stretch
of road.

AAPPTF said that public transport providers, public and tourists are facing problems
due to unsystematic road cutting. Meanwhile, responding to their demands, the BRTF
officials assured early completion of various roads within Tawang district.

Tayeng was a dedicated worker of CDPYK and indigenous faith movement in Arunachal.
He dedicated his life for social cause, worked for the fast spreading of Donyi Polo
movement in the society. It will be very hard to fill the void created due to his
death. He always patronized the work done by AVP.

Tayeng Welfare Society also mourned the demise of its member Mading Tayeng. The society
termed the demise of Mading as an irreparable loss to the society.

North East states are having an epidemic of Tobacco related illness

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: A high power delegation led by Special Secretary Keshav Desiraju
with other senior members of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),
including Joint Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin, Director Amal Pusp, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. L Swasticharan of MoHFW aims to sensitize the policy makers and various stake
holders in the North East region with particular reference to implementation of COTPA
and FSSAI Regulation (2.3.4).

The delegation will also share some of the effective strategies that have emerged
as game changers in tobacco control movement in India. One such move is to ban Gutkha
and tobacco containing Pan Masala under FSSAI 2006.

Demanding airdropping of essential commodities in Anjaw district to mitigate the
suffering of the people, the BJP district unit said that the natural calamities have
badly affected the road communication in the district. The people of the district,
including Govt employees are facing acute shortage of essential commodities including
food items due to disruption in road communication, it said. Moreover, skyrocketing
prices of essential commodities particularly rice have crippled the life of the commonmen,
the party unit added.

Rectify the criteria: NYWA

ITANAGAR, July 26: Nyishi Youth Welfare Association (NYWA) has strongly opposed the
certain criteria mentioned in annexure-III (clue-2) where it is said that deponent
should submit no land holding certificate from respective land revenue and settlement
officer of district/ area while applying for allotment of land in Capital area.

Describing the criteria unjustified especially for tribal people in state like Arunachal
Pradesh, the association appealed to the authority concerned to rectify the same.

AEKSU sticks to its demand

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: The All East Kameng Students Union (AEKSU), in a meeting, unanimously
decided not to accept the apology tendered by the then executive engineer of PHED,
Seppa.

While deciding to stick to its earlier demand for action against the EE as per FIR
lodged against him for the alleged irregularity in construction of WTP, AEKSU also
nullified the joint press statement of AEKSU, EKSWCO and PHED published in local
dailies on July 9, according to a release issued by general secretary Katung Gyadi.

AEKSU also questioned the credibility of the Public Account Sub-Committee constituted
for investigation into WTP scandal for not submitting the report till date.

Check domestic use of LPG: Union

ITANAGAR, Jul 26: In view of the prevailing crisis of cooking gas in Likabali area,
the All West Siang Border Students Union urged the administration to check use of
domestic gas cylinders in commercial purposes.

A delegation of the union recently apprised the district administration about the
problem faced by the people of Likabali area due to shortage in supply of LPG.

Crisis of LPG, which has become chronic problems in North East, including Arunachal
Pradesh, is likely to be continued for few months, the Union said and appealed to
the consumers to reduce LPG consumption by judiciously using the fuel.

State level Scouters and Guiders workshop

ITANAGAR, July 26: A week-long state level Scouters and Guiders Workshop for advanced/HWB
holders which was organized at State Training Centre, Polo Colony, Naharlagun came
to an end today.

Altogether 45 participants including staff took part in the workshop. The subject
matters of the workshop included first aid, maping, estimation, troop/company meeting,
Yoga for qualitative improvement for Scouts and Guides. Other objective of the workshop
was to produce Rajya Puraskar and Rashtrapati Puraskar Awardees.

Ensure regular power supply

Dear Editor,

For last few decades, the power consumers have been facing great problems due to
erratic power supply in the Capital Complex and the problems is yet to be solved.
On the other hand, the consumers are receiving electricity bills every month which
is not fair enough.

There is a helpline number provided by power houses, but the response we get is not
satisfactory. The time of their daily load shedding keeps on changing everyday. It
severely affects the students and also the daily life of the citizens of capital
complex.

I personally request the authorities to ensure regular supply of electricity in the
Capital Complex to lessen the problems of common people particularly the student
community.

Yours’

Geri Koyu

Naharlagun

Appeal to capital administration

Dear Editor,

It is unjustified on the part of the district authority to seek ‘No Land Holding’
certificate from the applicants while applying for land allotment in Capital Complex.

The procedures for applying/getting land allotment have been mentioned in the Land
Settlement Rule Book 2002 (Sl. 127 ‘a’ & ‘b’) only for those landless people, particularly
Artisans and Peasants. But there is no clear cut rules mentioned in the Land Settlement
Rule Book 2002 for land allotment for commercial and other purposes.

I, therefore, appeal to the Capital administration to look into the matter seriously
in the greater interest of genuine applicants. I further appeal to the administration
to honor the land allotment decision which has already been approved by the state
government. The genuine land applicants should not be harassed in the name of streamlining
the land allotment system and by adding new criteria, which would only deprive the
genuine ones.

Yours,

Toko Teki

Nyokum Lapang, Itanagar

Renewable energy sector & job opportunities

It is believed that solar energy companies could be the major destination for those
who are seeking job in energy sector as the solar energy industry will need around
1 lakh population by the 2022 to fulfill the targets of 20,000 MW of installed capacity
under the National Solar Mission.

Unlike the other power projects, the implementation of solar power projects takes
only few months. There are also foreign investment banks, which are investing heavily
in solar energy sector, and hopefully there has been huge increase in demand for
skilled and trained manpower from solar industry.

According to a report, the renewable energy deals also hit record high in 2011. It
signals a maturing of the renewable market all over the globe, but 2012 might still
be a tough one for the market as the industry grapples with a slow economic scene.

The report said that global renewable energy deals climbed 40 per cent to a record
high of $53.5 billion last year from $38.2 billion in 2010, as solar, wind and energy
efficiency overtook hydropower as the main deal drivers for the first time.

But, the renewable sector could face a tough 2012. US and European manufacturers
will be under increasing cost pressures, the report said.

However, with strategic and mission-oriented policy, the renewable energy power players
can overcome all obstacles to achieve the goal.